It had been one week since the tribunal began, and the school was no longer the same.
Seniors walked in silence, no longer ruling the corridors. Juniors moved cautiously, still wary but with a growing sense of safety. The once-chaotic dormitories were quieter, cleaner, even the air smelled different—like rain after a long drought.
Kalu Egbe stood at the notice board, reading the latest list: "Tribunal Verdicts – Effective Immediately." Presso – Expelled. Big Mouth – Expelled. Dankaka – Suspended Indefinitely. Others – Downgraded to probation.
Beside him, Nedu let out a low whistle. "E don happen."
Fireboy read it twice, then grinned. "Na this kind news we dey pray for."
Some juniors cheered quietly, while others looked around, still unsure if it was real. One even touched the paper, as if testing its truth.
"What of Senior Usman?" a boy asked.
Fireboy nodded. "Dem say him transfer self before tribunal reach am. E fear."
At assembly, Mr. Ogbemi stepped forward, flanked by his staff. His gaze swept over the crowd.
"The days of fear are over," he said. "Discipline will remain, but not abuse. Seniors will guide, not terrorize. Juniors will serve with dignity, not in fear."
He paused, then added, "Any return to the old ways... will be met with force."
Silence. But it was not the silence of fear—it was attention, respect.
Teachers stood straighter. Some smiled for the first time. Juniors listened, eyes wide. Even seniors bowed their heads.
After assembly, Fireboy clapped Kalu's shoulder. "You survive FGC wahala. Small time, you go become senior."
Kalu smiled faintly. "If na me, I go different."
Nedu laughed. "E don start. Our reign go be peace reign."
That night, no junior was woken to fetch water. Instead, they gathered around Kalu's bunk, telling stories, laughing freely.
"This one na miracle," one boy said. "I almost forget say we fit laugh."
Efosa brought cabin biscuits, sharing them round. "To freedom," he toasted.
The boys raised their cups of garri and sipped with pride.
Kalu looked around, heart full. Old FGC was still rough, but now, it was their own. And they would defend the peace they had earned.
As lights dimmed, Kalu whispered, "Nna m ichi oke... we dey breathe now."
And for the first time, he slept without fear.
To be continued...